The release candidates for iOS 16.6 and macOS Ventura 13.5 were seeded to developers on Tuesday. These are the final betas of minor bug updates without significant new features, but nevertheless they will be worth installing when the final versions are released, almost certainly within a week.
The same is true for iPadOS 16.6 RC, watchOS 9.6 RC and tvOS 16.6 RC.
Updates incoming for Apple’s 2022 operating system
Apple is currently working on two sets of operating systems for all its devices. One is iOS 17, macOS Sonoma, etc. that were unveiled in June and will reach users this autumn. But the other set is some of the final versions of the OSs that first debuted in 2022.
It’s that latter set that we know is about to get updated, as Release Candidates for all five of them were just made available to developers. RCs are what Apple used to call golden masters, and give beta testers an opportunity to test the final version of operating systems before they’re introduced to average users.
Apple’s release notes for (deep breath) iOS 16.6, macOS Ventura 13.5, iPadOS 16.6, watchOS 9.6 and tvOS 16.6 are also already available, and they indicate that these will fix some small problems with the various operating systems.
They aren‘t getting new features because these have been reserved for the major updates coming to iPhone, Mac, etc. in autumn in iOS 17, macOS Sonoma and the rest.
Still, there’s not much point in using a device with bugs for which the fixes are available, so the updates are recommended.
The new versions coming within the week will replace iOS 16.5, iPadOS 16.5 and macOS Ventura 13.4 that launched in May.
Screenshot: Apple/Cult of Mac
Still only for devs
As of Tuesday, the iOS 16.6, macOS Ventura 13.5, iPadOS 16.6, watchOS 9.6 and tvOS 16.6 release candidates are available only for those in Apple’s developer program. That said, those in Apple’s free public beta program should gain access soon.
